Promoting Diversity and Literacy, African American Read-In Programs in Missouri Libraries

1. Promoting Diversity and Literacy, African American Read-In Programs in Missouri Libraries Grace Jackson-Brown, MLS, Ph.D. (GJackson-Brown@MissouriState.edu) October 6, 2011

2. The African American Read-In (AARI) is an exemplary cultural program and reading initiative What is cultural programming? “…programs and series of programs presented by libraries that seek to entertain, enlighten, educate, and involve adult and family audiences, primarily in the disciplines of the arts, humanities, sciences, and public policy or community issues. This type of programming is designed to elicit dialogue, discussion , and consideration of ideas and issues, as well as to further independent study.” (Deborah A. Robertson IN Cultural Programming for Libraries, Chicago: ALA, 2005, p. 3)

3. Cultural Programming…. Helps “to illuminate the experiences, beliefs, and values that unite us as human beings. They stimulate us to make connections where we noticed none before—between our ancestors and ourselves, between one culture and another, between the community and the individual.” (quote from Susan Brandehoff, editor of the Whole Person Catalog, and found in Cultural Programming for Libraries, p. 2)

4. Benefits of Cultural Programming in Libraries • Provides opportunities for community engagement • Draws new and experienced users into the library • Introduces users to diverse materials and services in the library • Promotes reading and literacy

5. What is the African American Read-In? The African American Read-In(AARI)is a national event to promote reading and to celebrate black authors that is sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Originated by the black caucus of the NCTE, the program has also been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Since 1989, over a million readers have joined in the reading celebration. www.ncte.org/action/aari

6. How to become involved in the AARI? www.ncte.org/action/aari/packetinfo

7. Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries

8. Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries

9. Involvement in the AARI in Missouri Libraries

10. Interviews with 2 Missouri academic librarians about their AARI Participation: UMKC – Miller Nichols Library Lincoln University – Inman E. Page Library Ms. Gloria Tibbs, Teaching & Learning Librarian Ms. Lois Marshall, Public Services Coordinator

11. Missouri Libraries – UMKC Miller Nichols Library & AARI

12. Missouri Libraries AARI Involvement (continued) Lincoln University, Inman E. Page Library

13. The five institutional partners of the Springfield African American Read-In • Missouri State University Libraries & other MSU • Drury University • Springfield-Green County Library District • Springfield Public Schools • NAACP Springfield Chapter

14. Events of the Springfield African-American Read-IN2009 - 2012 • Young Writers’ Workshop led by Patricia McKissack • Storytelling by Gladys Gaines Coggswell • Storytime for children & families at Missouri Hotel • Booktalks & other activities at branch public libraries • February 2010 African American Poetry Reading Performance • February 2011 African American Poetry Reading Encore Performance • November 2011 Tales of Wonder Storytelling Workshop • February 2012 February Storytelling Main Event

15. Springfield AARIC Pre-Event October 2009Young Writers’ Workshop featuring award-winning authorPatricia McKissack

16. Springfield AARIC Pre-Event Nov. 2009 Master Storyteller Gladys Gaines Coggswell

17. Springfield AARICFinale Event, February 22, 2010

18. 2011 Springfield AARI Encore Poetry Reading

19. Future Keys for Success of the African American Read-In Programming in MO Libraries • Collaborate with programming partners • Have a Project Leader who is in charge of coordination and communication • Begin by setting project goals and objectives • Have a Steering Committee whose members can each be responsible for key tasks & recruit volunteer helpers • Decide early how resources (people, time, money) will be pooled

20. QUESTIONS?